(May 16, 2023, St. John’s) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Education and MHA for Conception Bay South, says 80% of young children in Newfoundland and Labrador living in “child-care deserts” shows how a lack of planning by the Liberal Government is costing families.

Petten was responding to a new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, titled Not Done Yet: $10-a-day Child Care Requires Addressing Canada’s Child Care Deserts.

“We are the second worst province in the country for having access to childcare. While the Minister continues to be in denial about the scope of the problem, parents are actually subletting their daycare spaces with others,” said Petten.

“It is remarkable.”

Petten noted this is the second national report in as many months that paints a bleak picture of childcare accessibility and access in the province.

“St. John’s has the worst coverage for infant care in the country, with space for only 5% of children under 18 months. Poor planning by the Liberal Government has created this mess and unfortunately the Minister is sticking to talking points versus facing reality,” said Petten.

Petten noted the Official Opposition is contacted daily by parents who are desperately looking for space or are on a lengthy waitlist. Many are anxiously trying to re-enter the workforce, including in critical healthcare positions.

“Studies don’t lie and parents know the reality. After eight years, the Furey Government is still in denial and has failed to advance a Human Resources Plan for Early Childhood Education,” said Petten.

“Unfortunately, parents and families are the ones now paying the price.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca